Alexandria police are searching for an Arlington man wanted in connection for allegedly assaulting a woman during an attempted rape in the early morning hours of September 11.

Police say Shaun Carlan, 44, took an unidentified woman into a wooded area between the 4600 and 4900 block of Eisenhower Ave. about 2 a.m. and began to punch her. He also attempted to sexually assault her, said Ashley Hildebrandt, department spokeswoman.

The pair knew each other before the assault, Hildebrandt said, though how well is not known. Police have been investigating the incident and are asking the public’s help in tracking down Carlan. He is described as a white man, about 5-foot-11 and weighing roughly 200 pounds.

Authorities are acquainted with Carlan, who pleaded guilty to charges of unlawfully wounding and assault and battery in October 2010 for attacking two individuals in August of that year. Carlan was sentenced to 3 years and 3 months of jail time, though all but nine months of the term was suspended, according to court documents.

Released in June, Carlan was just months into his three years of supervised release when the alleged assault occurred. His probation office last saw Carlan on September 9, court documents say. Three days later, he failed to show up at his job and was subsequently fired.

Staff members at Carpenter’s Shelter, where Carlan was staying, say he vanished on September 11. His last known contact with law enforcement was on September 13, when he told his therapist he was leaving the area, according to court documents.